KANGRA TO CHAMBA. FOUR DAYS ACROSS THE DHAULADHAR.
Bleni Pass Trek.
A mountain crossing via Lam Dal Lake.
Explore a four-day, three-night Bleni Pass trekking itinerary from the Salli side of Kangra to Dunali in the Chamba region, with a start-day transfer from McLeod Ganj.
The route links forest trails, Rahela campsite, Bleni Pass, a high camp at Nagaar Lake or Minkiani Gote, and Lam Dal Lake before descending towards Drakund. It is a one-way Himalayan journey for walkers comfortable with sustained climbs, rocky ground and long mountain days.
Bleni Pass is listed at approximately 3,710 metres, and the route continues into high-altitude lake terrain. Discuss current conditions, campsite locations and your experience with the team before choosing your dates.
01A cross-valley routeBegin near Salli and finish at Dunali rather than returning along the same trail.
02Pass and lake countryCross Bleni Pass and continue towards the Lam Dal Lake surroundings.
03Three nights campingShared tent stays with trek meals, local guiding and support staff.
YOUR FOUR-DAY BLENI PASS TREK ITINERARY
From forest paths
to a Himalayan pass.
01
MCLEOD GANJ → SALLI → RAHELA
Drive to Salli and walk to your first camp
Travel from McLeod Ganj via Chambi and Shahpur towards Salli, then begin walking near the Salli Hydro Project. The trail passes Chandrela Temple and continues through pine and oak forest to Rahela, listed at approximately 2,500 metres. Settle into the tented campsite for your first night.
TRANSFERApprox. 55 kmWALKApprox. 5 km · 3–4 hoursMEALSLunch and dinner
02
RAHELA → BLENI PASS → NAGAAR / MINKIANI GOTE
Cross Bleni Pass into the next valley
Climb towards Bleni Pass through steep and rocky terrain. The operator lists the pass at approximately 3,710 metres. Follow the guide’s route decisions through any snow-affected sections, then descend towards the agreed camp at Nagaar Lake or Minkiani Gote. This is a demanding day with around seven to eight hours of trekking.
WALKApprox. 12 km · 7–8 hoursSTAYNagaar / Minkiani Gote campMEALSBreakfast, packed lunch, dinner
03
NAGAAR / MINKIANI GOTE → LAM DAL LAKE → DRAKUND
Visit Lam Dal and descend towards Drakund
Continue towards Lam Dal Lake before descending along the stream towards Drakund, listed at approximately 1,800 metres. The route includes stream crossings and a long descent from alpine surroundings into forest. The existing plan allows seven to eight hours for this stage; confirm timing and crossing conditions with your guide.
WALKApprox. 20 km · 7–8 hoursSTAYDrakund campMEALSBreakfast, lunch, dinner
04
DRAKUND → BARAI → DUNALI
Complete the crossing and arrange onward travel
Follow the forest and village path towards Barai, then take the planned road transfer to Dunali, where the trekking itinerary ends. Confirm your onward drop to Chamba or return towards Dharamshala when booking, as the transfer destination depends on the agreed plan.
WALKApprox. 9 km · 2–3 hoursTRANSFERApprox. 7 km to DunaliMEALSBreakfast
Distances, elevations and walking times are approximate figures from the operator’s listed itinerary. Weather, snow, stream conditions, access and group pace can change the day’s plan. Confirm the crossing, campsites and final transfers before departure.
PLAN YOUR CAMPING AND TRANSFERS
What’s included.
What to arrange separately.
Listed inclusions
- McLeod Ganj to Salli pickup
- Drop from Dunali to Chamba or return to Dharamshala, according to the agreed plan
- Three nights in twin or triple sharing tents
- Sleeping bags, foam mattresses and ground insulation
- Vegetarian meals from day one lunch to day four breakfast
- Trek leader, local guide and support staff
- Camping equipment, kitchen tent and toilet tents
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder, as listed
- Forest entry permits, environmental and camping charges
Not included
- Tips, laundry, beverages and snacks outside the meals
- Extra meals or accommodation before and after the trek
- Trek insurance, medical and emergency evacuation costs
- Porter or mule carriage for your personal backpack
- Costs caused by weather delays, roadblocks or other unforeseen changes
- Professional camera or video permits, if applicable
Confirm the exact pickup, Barai–Dunali transfer, onward drop, tent sharing, dietary needs, drinking-water arrangements and personal luggage support before booking. Personal bag carriage is a separate arrangement.
PREPARE FOR A REMOTE MOUNTAIN CROSSING
Choose your dates.
Prepare for the trail.
Fitness and trekking experience
The Bleni Pass Trek is moderate to challenging, with steep climbs, rocky sections, stream crossings and two long walking days. Prior hill-walking or trekking experience is recommended. Share your experience and usual walking pace with the team so they can assess the itinerary with you.
Best time for Bleni Pass trekking
The operator’s recommended windows are May–June and September–October. Current snow, rainfall and trail access matter more than calendar dates alone. Ask the team to confirm pass conditions and departure availability for your chosen dates.
Equipment and communication
Ask for a route-specific packing list. Bring suitable trekking footwear, warm layers, rain protection, a torch, sun protection, a reusable water bottle and personal essentials. Expect limited mobile connectivity beyond Salli and confirm how the team manages communication on the route.
Walk thoughtfully through the mountains.Respect village residents and local places of worship, follow your guide at stream crossings, keep lake and stream water clean, and bring your litter back.
BEFORE YOU PLAN YOUR CROSSING
Bleni Pass Trek FAQs.
Where does the Bleni Pass Trek start and finish?
The walking route starts near Salli in Kangra and ends at Dunali in the Chamba region. The package lists a first-day pickup from McLeod Ganj to Salli. Confirm your onward drop after Dunali with the team.
How many days is the Bleni Pass Trek?
The listed itinerary takes four days and three nights. Camps are planned at Rahela, Nagaar Lake or Minkiani Gote, and Drakund.
How difficult is the trek, and can beginners join?
This is a moderate to challenging route with long walking days and remote mountain terrain. It suits trekkers with relevant walking experience. First-time multi-day trekkers should discuss their fitness and previous hikes with the team before booking.
Does this itinerary visit Lam Dal Lake?
Yes. Day three follows the route from Nagaar Lake or Minkiani Gote towards Lam Dal Lake, then descends to Drakund. The exact route and timing depend on conditions.
What is the best season for Bleni Pass?
The existing trip information recommends May–June and September–October. Confirm current snow, rainfall, access and campsite conditions for your dates before making travel arrangements.
What accommodation and meals are included?
The package lists three nights in shared tents, sleeping bags and mats, and vegetarian meals from day one lunch through day four breakfast. Confirm tent sharing and dietary requirements when enquiring.
Are transfers and permits included?
The listed inclusions cover McLeod Ganj to Salli pickup, an onward drop from Dunali according to the agreed plan, and forest entry and camping charges. Confirm the precise transfers and applicable permissions for your departure.
Will someone carry my personal backpack?
Personal backpack carriage by a porter or mule is excluded from the listed package. Ask about a separate arrangement, weight limits and availability before departure.
Will there be mobile network coverage?
The trip information describes limited connectivity after leaving Salli. Do not plan around continuous mobile coverage; discuss the communication arrangements with the team.
How do I enquire about the Bleni Pass Trek?
Use the enquiry form, WhatsApp or phone links on this page. Share your preferred dates, group size, previous trekking experience and preferred onward destination so the team can confirm arrangements.
LET’S PLAN YOUR DATES
Ask about your Bleni Pass Trek.
Include your preferred dates, traveller count, walking experience and questions about the route or transport.